Ahead of the upcoming series against Ireland, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reappointed Shanto as Test captain for the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
BCB confirmed the decision in an official statement.
At one stage, Shanto captained Bangladesh across all three formats. However, a dip in form with the bat saw him replaced by Litton Das as T20I captain.
He was originally scheduled to lead the ODI and Test sides during the Sri Lanka tour last June, but just before the team’s departure, BCB handed the ODI captaincy to Mehidy Hasan Miraz instead.
BCB President Aminul Islam said the decision reflects the Board’s confidence in the 27-year-old batter’s leadership and his vision for Bangladesh’s red-ball cricket: “Shanto has shown composure, commitment and a deep understanding of Test cricket.
Under his leadership, we have seen growth and increased team belief. The Board feels that continuity in leadership will serve us well as we move forward in this new Test Championship cycle.”
Expressing his appreciation, Najmul Hossain Shanto said: “I feel truly honoured to continue leading the Bangladesh Test team and I am very grateful to the Board for the faith and trust they have shown in my captaincy.
“Captaining my country in Test cricket is the greatest pride of my life. I will do my utmost to repay the responsibility that has been entrusted to me.
“It is a joy to lead a team that has so much talent and potential, and I believe we have an exciting and positive season ahead. We are looking forward to the upcoming series against Ireland later this month, which marks the start of a busy and important period for Bangladesh Test cricket.”
The decision was part of BCB’s plan to have separate captains for each format, a move that reportedly didn’t sit well with Shanto.
Although he led Bangladesh in both Tests against Sri Lanka, he stepped down from the role immediately after the Colombo Test.
While speculation suggested his resignation was driven by frustration, Shanto maintained that he had decided in the team's best interest.
Since that Sri Lanka series, Bangladesh have not played another Test.
